engleski

A multidisciplinary approach to sexual dysfunction in female athletes

Purpose. Sexual dysfunction is registered as an ever increasing problem that occurs equally in men and women. In women who are actively involved in sports, sexual dysfunction has so far not been sufficiently studied. Etiology of sexual dysfunction is complex and related to changes in the vascular, neurological, endocrine and muscular system as well as psychological factors. In sports, there are also sports-specific biomechanical factors and fatigue which can predispose to the condition. Methods. A detailed search on sexual dysfunction in female athletes was performed using Medline/Pub Med, EMBASE, and OvidSP from their inception to January 2017. The search was performd using following terms: „sexual function“ OR „sexual dysfunction“ AND „female athlete“ and it was not limited with respect to trial design and time when article was published. Studies included in this review had to meet the following inclusion criteria: report on the incidence, etiology or pathogenesis of the sexual dysfunction in female athletes, or report on the treatment or preventive strategies for sexual dysfunction in female athletes. Results. Through database searching 76 articles were identified. Of these, 31 were excluded. After reviewing 45 studies in full text, 17 articles were included in the review. The published data are scarce and only 8 randomized controlled trials were found. Female athletes can have all types of sexual dysfunction. Alongside complex diagnosis and medical treatment, kinesiology- anthropological analyses and physiotherapy process should have also be implemented, which would define the need, type and extent of therapeutic exercises as part of the multidisciplinary treatment. Also, sports and sports-specific biomechanical factors which predispose female athletes to sexual dysfunction are poorly identified which does not allow adequate screening and early diagnosis and treatment. Conclusions. Lack of research into the presence of sexual dysfunction in female athletes (different types according to the classification of sexual dysfunction) emphasizes the need for additional research. Female athletes have a reduced risk of developing a sexual dysfunction but sports such as cycling and horse riding present a risk. A multidisciplinary approach of sexual dysfunction in female athletes is priority and should be based on standardized classification.

sexual dysfunction ; female athletes ; multidisciplinary approach

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